Mabton Briefs

MABTON - Mabton City Council members approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with the county of Yakima for jail services in 2006.

This is an existing contract that must be renewed every year.

The daily housing rate will increase from $52.23 in 2005 to $63.48 in 2006.

Mabton does not have the jail facilities to house inmates.

City of Mabton to adopt National Incident Management System

MABTON - The Mabton City Council voted to adopt the National Incident Management System as the standard for incident management by the city of Mabton as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5.

This directive mandates the development of the NIMS and requires state and local governments to adopt the NIMS in order to receive federal preparedness grants, contracts and other assistance.

The NIMS will establish a single, comprehensive approach to domestic incident management to ensure that all levels of government across the nation have the capability to work efficiently and effectively together using a national approach.

Mabton to get two new sidewalks

MABTON - The city of Mabton applied for and received a grant to provide sidewalks on 5th and 6th streets.

The grant, from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for sidewalk improvements, will total $100,000 and Mabton will have to match $10,000 of that.

First block watch training class set for Dec. 19

MABTON - As part of the effort by city police to organize block watches in Mabton, a self-defense class for women will be held at Mabton High School on Dec. 19.

Participants are to meet at the front doors to the school. For more info or questions call Chief Almeida at 894-4096.

Candle light vigil planned for Dec. 18

MABTON - A candle light vigil for families who have had children die will be held at Feezel Park in Mabton, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m.

"It's for us who are grieving," Vera Zavala said. "A lot of people here in Mabton have lost some children in the last two years."

Zavala said she hasn't been able to make it down to the Tri-Cities or Yakima for their candle light vigils so she wanted to start one in Mabton.

Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the city hall chambers afterward. For more info call 830-4085.